Rodney Miller

With the love and support of many family members, Rod Miller, 82, of Baker City, has found peace and serenity with the Lord. He passed away peacefully on  September 30, 2018 while living at Meadow Brook Place Assisted Living.  As per his request, there will be no funeral service.

Rod was born November 1, 1935 to Roland and Martha Miller in Stevenson, WA.  

Rod attended the Cascade Locks, OR grade school and High School then attended Oregon State University, graduating in 1958 as a Range and Wildlife Biologist. Shortly after graduating from OSU Rod and Bernie wed in June 1958. From January 1959 to January 1961 Rod served in the US Army as a Chaplain's Assistant in Pittsburgh, PA. There, Rod and Bernie had their first child Scot Miller.

After his service to the military, Rod and Bernie moved to John Day, OR where Rod began his career as a Range and Wildlife Biologist for the United State Forest Service. While in John Day the family grew with the birth of Karen (Miller) Phillips 62’, Kevin Miller 65’ and Lori (Miller) Smith 68’. The family of six then moved to Baker City in June 1971 where Rod continued his 33 year career with the Wallowa Whitman National Forest, retiring in 1989. 

Outside of his career with the Forest Service, Rod and Bernie spent much of their time advocating with other parents and families of children with special needs for programs and services of inclusion and support for children with disabilities. He and Bernie were very involved with, then ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) and raising funds with “Hike Bike”. It wasn’t long after that, that with the help of the community, children with special needs had a place within the Baker County school system to gain an education and skills which then became a much larger organization “Step Forward”. Rod also played a role with the Powder River Sportsman's Club, organizing for several years the well known “Crab Feed”. 

Rod was preceded in death by his son Kevin Miller; both parents and his older brother Gerald Miller.

Rod is survived by his wife Bernie Miller of 60 years as of June 7, 2018; son Scot; daughters Karen and Lori; Grandchildren, Erik, Ethan and Amy Miller, Sean Conley, Derek Phillips, and Travis, Tanner, Adam and Amanda Smith and ten great grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend their appreciation Heart n' Home Hospice and to all of the staff for the wonderful care given to Rod while living at Meadow Brook. During this extremely difficult time of his passing, you all were so loving and kind~Thank you.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Rod the family suggests Step Forward in memory of his son, Kevin Miller through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, Oregon 97834. On line condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com